Brian Burnett (politician)
Brian Burnett | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 12th district | |
| Assumed office January 15, 2025 Serving with Mike Steele | |
| Preceded by | Keith Goehner |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Brian K. Burnett 1968 (age 56–57) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | April Burnett |
| Children | 7 |
| Residence | Wenatchee, Washington |
Brian K. Burnett (born 1968) is an American politician and former law enforcement officer. In 2024, he was elected to represent the 12th district in Washington's House of Representatives.[1]
Career
Chelan County Sheriff
Burnett worked in law enforcement for 25 years. He served three terms as Chelan County sheriff before losing his reelection campaign in 2022. Under his leadership, the Chelan County sheriff's office started their Behavior Health Unit for emergency calls related to mental health crises.[2]
While serving as Chelan County Sheriff, Burnett was one of thirty-nine plaintiffs in a 2020 lawsuit against then-governor Jay Inslee, seeking to end the COVID-19 state of emergency, citing the need for local control and economic concerns.[3] In 2021, Burnett suspended School Resource Officer (SRO) programs in four school districts, opposing Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for school employees and contractors. Burnett, who noted that no SROs had expressed concerns about the mandate, argued it violated personal rights. SROs were reassigned to patrol duties, with efforts to maintain a visible presence near schools.[4]
Former deputies named Burnett as perpetrator in lawsuits claiming religious discrimination,[5] unfair employment practices and retaliation.[6]
Washington House of Representatives
During the 2024 election, Burnett was elected to represent the 12th district in the Washington House of Representatives. He received 53.26% of the vote in the general election.[7]
Personal life
Burnett resides in Wenatchee, Washington, with his wife, April. They have seven children and eight grandchildren.[8]
He is Christian.[9]
References
- ^ "Legislative District 12". results.vote.wa.gov. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Former Chelan County Sheriff Brian Burnett announces bid for District 12 representative | Elections | wenatcheeworld.com". 2024-05-10. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Coalition sues Inslee to end state of emergency | Coronavirus | wenatcheeworld.com". 2024-05-10. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Sheriff pulls school resource officers from schools, says vaccine mandate infringes on their rights | Coronavirus | wenatcheeworld.com". 2024-05-10. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Chelan County Sheriff's Office Settles Discrimination Lawsuit with Former Deputy". Source ONE News. 2025-01-31. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
- ^ Hansen, Chris (2024-05-20). "Ex-Deputy Settles Final Lawsuit With Chelan County For $1.5 Million". 560 KPQ. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
- ^ "Legislative District 12". results.vote.wa.gov. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Former Chelan County Sheriff Brian Burnett announces bid for District 12 representative | Elections | wenatcheeworld.com". 2024-05-10. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- ^ "Brian & April Burnett | MARRIAGE MINISTRY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT (LEO) by Summit Story". Spotify for Creators. Retrieved 2025-01-09.